Ahmed Hussen

Absolutely. Everything you've said is true. The more people know about each other, the less they're susceptible to ignorant perceptions about the “other”. That also, of course, contributes to stronger social cohesion. As you're very well aware, the presence of Arab Canadians in Quebec has strengthened Quebec and has contributed not only to its economic prosperity but also to strong civic pride in [more]

Thank you very much. I think your remarks reflect the importance of initiatives like this. You spoke about the fact that Canada doesn't make you choose between obtaining new citizenship and abandoning your heritage. Many countries do that, but this is a very special place. This is a country that allows you to join the larger Canadian family and adopt Canadian values while keeping your rich [more]

S-227 Thank you very much, Madam Chair and honourable members of the committee, for the opportunity to appear before you today to speak in support of Bill, an act respecting Arab heritage month. I'm pleased to appear before you as the sponsor of this legislation in the House of Commons following its adoption in the Senate, where it was championed with dedication and care by Senator Mohammad Al [more]

I believe that just like other heritage months that have been designated by our federal Parliament, Arab heritage month would serve the same purpose. It would be used by local schools, community organizations, business associations, provincial governments and others to really focus our attention every year on April as the month to reflect on and celebrate the contributions that Arab Canadians [more]

You're absolutely right. Again, it gives us an opportunity to open the door to more awareness about the history and contributions of Arab Canadians. When you designate a heritage month and it is disseminated across the country, as I said, it enhances the education piece, which reduces the ignorance, misperceptions and misconceptions about the community. The first thing that it will do is [more]

I think the main one, in addition to the recognition piece, is education. Whenever an opportunity is made available to Canadians to learn about each other and their history and about the contributions that various communities have made and continue to make in Canada, the dissemination of that knowledge is a plus. It's an advantage. The more we can learn about each other, the more we can reflect [more]

When you look at the history of Arab Canadians in Canada, at the presence of Arab Canadians and at the contributions they have made and continue to make in many provinces and municipalities right across this country, it is important to follow what local communities have already done. Many provinces, municipalities and community organizations, as you said, have already recognized and designated [more]